A friend of mine has an interesting take on what he calls “annoying interview questions” - and that includes questions about where you see yourself five years from now. (Others are about your greatest strength or weakness.)
While there’s certainly no one “right” answer for a question like that, some approaches work better than others. So without further ado, here’s what my pal L. Bosco has to say about it:
THOSE ANNOYING INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
by L. Bosco
Interviews are a pain in the neck!
Ideally you want to see if there’s a good fit between you and the employer. But most interviews are full of those “pat questions” that have been written up endlessly in books and even on blogs where so-called experts give job applicants handy-dandy “pat answers” to those over-used “pat questions.” So basically both sides could just as well e-mail in their parts and save everyone a lot of time. It’s a rare interviewer who knows how to create a really informative interview.
So job seekers must still sit through these often painful interviews (some where the interviewer is barely listening) and be prepared to answer these same silly questions: What is your greatest weakness? What are your strengths? How would you handle an angry customer?
And, my personal not-favorite: “Where do you want to be in 5 years?”
I always want to answer that last one with something like “living in Bora Bora on my lotto winnings” or “King of Siam” or at least “Sophia’s latest lover.” (The name mentioned to be filled in by you based on your own gender, age, preferences, and imagination.)
(Note from Work Coach: Uh…I’m not recommending you do that!)
It is a question where virtually any answer can get you into trouble, since you don’t know your interviewer. If you aim too high, you might come off as too ambitious and either won’t be around long enough to cover the cost of training or you’ll threaten their own position. If you aim too low, you lack initiative and won’t contribute enough to cover the cost of your salary.
So how the heck does one reply? I puzzled over this for days. And then weeks. And then more weeks. Finally, I could find no good “pat” answer that also felt safe. Therefore, I opted to tell the truth and the interviews be damned!
So from then on when I was asked where I wanted to be in my career five years from now, I told them:
“I don’t have a specific plan! I would like to advance. However, I am flexible. I will do my current job to the best of my ability and keep my eyes open for opportunities within the organization to advance even if it means changing roles. I am prepared to learn new things and contribute to the overall success of the organization in a number of ways. The only specific within that “plan of willingness” is that the opportunity be within my ability to learn, interesting enough for me to dig in and do a good job, and the compensation increase a reasonable amount in relation to the demands of the position.”
I was hired!!
I have since been interviewed for a number of promotions by a number of different people (most of whom have come and gone and never even met each other.) And when they asked me where I see myself in five years, I gave them all the same answer!! And I’ve earned eight promotions in thirty-one years.
The truth has one advantage over the best prepared scripts. No one is expecting it!
——-
Note from Work Coach: For most of you who get a bit nervous at interviews, sticking to a quasi-pat answer still may be the best idea - or at least using a shorter hybrid version of L. Bosco’s answer: “I’d like to see myself here advancing to the next level or at least learning new things and taking on new responsibilities if at all possible.” Or if it’s a job where learning and advancement are not the goal, then a simple ” I’m happiest when I feel that I’m an essential part of the company I work for - hopefully this one. I hope to take advantage of whatever opportunities are available - but mostly, I want to do the best I can and know that I’m making a difference.”
Of course, if you are interviewing in a high-powered company that expects you to be hungry for advancement…well, if that’s who you are you sure don’t need help with a question like this! (-;
But no matter what your answer, when I interview people I strongly prefer candidates who are real and natural. Whatever you do, try to be yourself - even if yourself is a little nervous. (-; Look the interviewer(s) in the eyes, take a moment to connect, and then with as much truth and sincerity as possible make the words yours.
Since I know L. Bosco, my guess is that he won over his interviewers with his honest down-to-earth manner as much as with his words.
So where do you see yourself in five years? Hopefully not having to answer that annoying question ever again. But please DON’T use that as your answer. 
Good luck!
27 responses so far ↓
1 Alvin // Jun 14, 2007 at 8:59 pm
yeap, this is one of the famous interview questions. no doubt bout it. i’ve been asked in nearly all my interview sessions before this.
on one occasion…. i answered “I want to be a technical consultant” and the Managing director laughed and immediately failed me.. I have no idea why. Maybe because they don’t have that position…and don’t want to hire me?
Well, on another occasion, I answered the same thing and I got hired.
Conclusion - know where you are before u answer ! But things like being flexible, want to learn more, etc etc…those are basically the best answers you could ever get in this situation
2 Ronnie Ann // Jun 15, 2007 at 10:14 am
Hey Alvin! Nice to see you again. I like your conclusion. Sums things up nicely.
3 Alvin // Jun 16, 2007 at 4:00 am
No problem Ronnie.
4 tihopilik // Jul 8, 2007 at 12:21 pm
Hello
I can’t be bothered with anything these days, but shrug. I just don’t have anything to say recently.
G’night
5 Ronnie Ann // Jul 8, 2007 at 12:54 pm
Hi tihopilik,
I was going to delete your comment because it doesn’t seem connected to the post and your links aren’t real. But I’m writing this just to let you know I’ve been there myself. We all have. It’s a start that you feel the urge to make your voice heard at all. For me it helps to find things I truly care about. And then slowly let yourself do things that make your voice and heart sing!
I wish you luck finding those things. BTW…a good place to start is connecting to something that really speaks to you - even if only a little at first.
6 Taisha // Sep 5, 2007 at 11:07 am
I recently had an interview and was asked this question. Though I knew that I would likely be asked something like this, I was totally unprepared. I’m new to job hunting and interviewing, and I just froze. All I could come up with was a lame comment about the management track.
I just wanted to thank you for this article. It’s helped me organize my thoughts, so I hope next time I have a better answer!
7 Ronnie Ann // Sep 5, 2007 at 2:56 pm
Thank you, Taisha, for taking the time to write me. Comments like yours make me feel great. And just so you know…even if you freeze up on an answer, you don’t always lose the job. Interviewers expect some of that from newbies. The main thing is to just be yourself - that way you have a better chance of getting yourself to a job that’s right for you. But you are definitely smart to use this as a learning experience and prepare yourself for the next time. Good luck!
8 Over Ambitious // Nov 26, 2007 at 6:04 pm
I am too ambitious and now I know this is the question that has snagged me each interview I have attended lately. It is such hard work to get an interview for the right job so take my advice don’t blow it on this question. The coach is right- and I’ll land the job next time…Thanks for the tip..
By the way I was told I wasn’t global enough. I wonder where that came from? I dont’ remember being asked that question…how would the interviewer draw that conclusion- or were they just making up a reason not to hire me because I blew the first question? .. I guess that could be because of how I described how I deal with people- when you deal with people- I believe you deal with them one at a time - the world is round even if shaped like a globe, people are better dealt with one at a time…here or across the world. any how it was a big loss not to land that job…
9 Ronnie Ann // Nov 26, 2007 at 7:13 pm
There’s no way to know exactly what was meant by “not global enough”. You are right that it may have been their way of trying to let you down easy. But most likely it wasn’t only the one question…it just wasn’t a good fit. And if it’s not good for them, trust me, you wouldn’t have been happy in that job.
Just so you know, while I agree that finding ways to relate one-on-one and build strong individual relationships is a good practice, at times you also need to be able to address things using a wider angle lens. Flexibility and strategic thinking are key. Some situations require an approach that involve both one-on-one and group interactions/solutions. But that may not even have been what they were getting at. As a general rule, don’t be afraid to ask them to clarify the question if you aren’t completely sure what they are asking.
Good luck finding the right match! It may take a while, but patience pays off in the long run. Just listen carefully, ask for clarification if needed, help them see the kind of skills and attitude you bring to the table should they hire you, and, most of all, be yourself.
10 San // Dec 12, 2007 at 12:07 pm
Thank you very much for this Tip. Today I had a telephonic interview with Royal mail for Operations Management Graduate scheme. I wasn’t prepare for this question and I was stumbled and got nervous, but managed to say that after completing and achieving all the targeted organizational goals, I would work hard enough to get a position in senior management.
I am new in job hunting and that was my first telephonic interview.
11 Ronnie Ann // Dec 13, 2007 at 12:22 pm
Sounds like a great answer! We all get nervous at interviews. Good practice whether you get this one or not - but I hope you do. Good luck!
12 julia // Jan 28, 2008 at 3:35 pm
i was asking the same question for applying to a LLM…
i dont know what to say..
somebody can help me
13 Ronnie Ann // Jan 28, 2008 at 3:51 pm
Hi Julia!
This question is about YOU and where you’d like to be after law school. Just tell the truth and be yourself when you answer. It would be smart to take some time now to think about what you really want from the program. Do you want to be part of a respected law firm in five years? Do you want to have your own practice? Do you want to work for a judge? Maybe you want to work for government agency or a corporation or a non-profit.
There’s no one right answer. There’s only the answer that tells what you really want. When applying for a master’s program, they want to know if you have a personal goal that this will help you accomplish. Mostly, they want to see if you’ve thought this through enough to have a vision of yourself working in the real world of law.
Good luck.
14 Sharon // Mar 9, 2008 at 9:30 pm
I searched for good responses to this question, and by far this one is the best yet. I have a interview tomorrow and I wasn’t able to come up with a answer that would sound natural and impress the interviewer. Your response fits what I really wanted to say anyway. I just needed a little help. I’ve been out of the job market for years and my interviewing skills have become a little rusty. Thanks for your help.
15 Ronnie Ann // Mar 9, 2008 at 10:02 pm
Wow! I’m so glad you found something that feels right for you and sounds natural. That’s why this blog exists. Makes me happy when I hear it helped someone. Thanks for letting me know.
By the way…I know how it feels to interview after a long break. It’s kind of like dating after many years off the market. (-; But I’ve found that being yourself really is the way to go. Just be very present: listen, answer as honestly as possible, don’t be afraid to let them know you’re a little nervous (it’s ok), and win them over with the sincere, responsible person you are and what you have to offer them.
Good luck Sharon! Please let us know if you get it.
Ronnie Ann
16 Sachin Tyagi // Apr 8, 2008 at 1:26 am
Doing five years from now I am looking myself in a big IT company as an experience holder on this platform. I can see myself as a Master of the (as java) when I will take new challange in my job. I will accept and do the work .I will do my best.
17 Ronnie Ann // Apr 8, 2008 at 11:03 am
Hi Sachin!
I’ve worked in IT for many years and that is a good answer because it sounds sincere and seems to reflect who you are as a person. You sound like a team player, but also someone who will challenge yourself to be the best you can.
I wish you much luck with your career!
Ronnie Ann
18 sejal // Apr 8, 2008 at 3:18 pm
Hiii I have an interview after five days and i am looking for the best answer of this kind of tricky question…and finally i got it from you…i am very nervous and this is my first interview in America …i am from India and my first language is Hindi…so more nervous to participant in Group interview…plzzz give me some tips!
19 Ronnie Ann // Apr 8, 2008 at 5:25 pm
Hi Sejal!
Glad you found something helpful here. Congratulations on the interview!
Don’t think you are alone. Group interviews make most people a little nervous - even me. The interviewers understand that. It’s ok to be yourself here - in fact that’s a plus - and that includes admitting you are a little nervous. Just remember to smile when you say it and then also add that you thank them for the chance to interview with them.
I know how hard it is to speak a second language and the best thing you can do is listen carefully to everything they say and answer slowly and as sincerely as possible. Basically, when you answer, look at the person who asked you the question most of the time, but also take a moment to catch the other people’s eyes. Take your time to say what you want to say and if there is anything you would like them to explain better, it’s ok to ask. In fact, it’s better to make sure there is understanding than to just go on and on about something they didn’t ask!
Remember to think ahead about what you have done in other jobs (or in volunteer situations) and be prepared to tell a story or two about a problem you solved or something new you came up with or something new you learned well or maybe even a time when you helped turn a mistake/problem into a success.
Your job is to let them know they are getting a worker who will give them his all and go above and beyond if that’s what’s needed. If this is a position that requires certain skills, be prepared to be questioned about that. And if there’s something you don’t know, be honest and let them know you learn quickly. (A story here on that point might help.)
Sit proud during the interview (but also try to look as natural as possible), and remember that you have a lot to offer them. Also remember to breathe in and out before you go into the interview room - and also breathe during the interview.
At the end, if it feels comfortable, make sure to look each person in his or her eyes, one person at a time, as you thank the group. Oh…and remember to come prepared with one or two good questions to ask them!
I wish you much luck! Please let us know how it goes.
Ronnie Ann
20 Erin L. Delaney // May 15, 2008 at 11:55 am
Alvin thanks for the great article. I was just working on a blog entry about the 5 years, ten years question and you definitely inspired my work. Thanks for the honesty.
21 Ronnie Ann // May 15, 2008 at 12:04 pm
Hi Erin!
Thanks. Although my name is Ronnie Ann. But Alvin does have great advice too, so I humbly accept your lovely comment for both of us.
Good luck on your blog! (By the way, the URL you left doesn’t work. Let me know your blog’s URL and I’ll fix it.)
Ronnie Ann
22 Julia // May 29, 2008 at 7:08 am
The key is to be non-specific and refer in general terms to generic goals and objectives like self-growth, personal development etc.
23 Ronnie Ann // May 29, 2008 at 11:23 am
Thanks for adding to the discussion, Julia. Non-specific goals can be useful - as long as you don’t confuse non-specific with vague or evasive!
Interviewers are mostly looking to see who you are and how you think. So the best you can do is look them in the eyes and be as real as possible. Too much self-growth and personal development talk can sound a little flaky if it isn’t mingled with at least some grounded talk of learning new things or advancing in the company/field.
Ronnie Ann
24 Dataceptionist // Jun 15, 2008 at 9:53 pm
My biggest hurdle I find for this kind of question is that truthfully I’d like to have at least one child already, and either A) not be working at all anymore or B) be working part-time in a meaningful and challenging job.
I feel like mentioning possible future family growth and maternity leave are giant no-no’s in interviews though.
Any posts that deal with this Ronnie Ann?
25 Ronnie Ann // Jun 15, 2008 at 10:24 pm
Hi Dataceptionist!
Welcome. Sorry to say I don’t have a post (yet) that deals with this specifically, although I know I’ve had some that mention staying away from too much personal info in an interview that does not relate directly to the job.
Your instincts are right. This is a topic that you probably should stay away from and, if asked outright, just say at this time you’re much more focused on career - or some such response. And leave it at that. If the questions stray into personal territory, you just redirect.
Actually federal law (The Family and Medical Leave Act) requires a company to provide family leave for certain size companies - and some states have even more employee-friendly policies - but no employer can force you to talk about that in an interview. It’s pretty much considered a no-no for most companies nowadays to bring up such things.
But if they do…no matter what you are thinking…it’s not all-that-misleading to keep your answer short and just tell them your mind really is on the job - and on doing the best you can. They don’t need to know all your thoughts.
But you might want to research companies ahead of time that seem to have good family-friendly policies. Some actually allow you to work from home some days or even switch to part-time. I knew someone who worked for a bank and went from no kids and 5 days a week on the premises, to THREE kids and working from home. Now she’s a programmer, so that’s a bit easier to do from home, but since this is your real goal, some upfront research might pay off big in little dividends!
To start you off, this will get you to a list from WorkingMother.com:
I wish you all the best in your job search and in your real dreams.
Ronnie Ann
26 Dataceptionist // Jun 18, 2008 at 12:36 am
Thanks Ronnie Ann. Unfortunately I’m actually in Australia, but I think I’ll check google out to see if anyone’s compiled a similar listing for companies Down Under.
I guess my question in relation to the post, was how to deal with the 5 year Interview Question without lying through my teeth.
Also, I got Parachute out from the library, so thats for the recommendation, maybe it will re-invigorate me and point me in the right direction so I’ll be dying to get back to work after having a little one
27 Ronnie Ann // Jun 18, 2008 at 12:59 am
Ah! I didn’t hear the accent.
As for not lying through your teeth…what I was trying to say is that you may have to think of it as an exercise in creative interview answers, and even though I stress honesty, you don’t have to tell every detail. The best you can do is imagine (in an alternative universe) what you’d like to be doing there if you wound up delaying having a child.
You may be able to use what I said above “I’d like to see myself here advancing to the next level or at least learning new things and taking on new responsibilities if at all possible.” (you should think of a few possible things you might be interested in in case they ask) and preface it with some statement about not believing anyone can predict the future. You aren’t saying anything about 5 years for sure. But I assume you would like to learn things and maybe get promoted in the meantime. Yes?
Not lying - just not going into details no one can know for sure and that they don’t need to know. And who knows…maybe if you do get the job, you’ll be able to spot (or create) an opportunity that would fit motherhood. These things do happen sometimes. So you would be telling the truth about looking for new opportunities.
Sorry I can’t do better than that, but maybe you can take a little time to think about some parts of the job that really could keep you interested until the rest happens. This will help ground what you say. And remember to practice!
Have fun with Parachute! No reason not to explore other dreams at the same time.
Good luck!
Ronnie Ann
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